ACU set to begin first beach volleyball season

Ever since the NCAA’s inception of beach volleyball, there have been in many cases a tug-of-war between participants and coaches in the indoor and outdoor games.

That won’t be the case at Abilene Christian University, where beach volleyball makes its debut this month as the school’s 17th varsity sport and first new sport since women’s soccer was added in 2007.

“For us it’s very inclusive at this point,” ACU coach Angela Mooney said. “We only have three beach-only players. As the program grows, I’m sure there will be some separation. Now we have a good relationship between the two.”

Angela Mooney(Photo: Courtesy)

Several of the top Division I opponents the Wildcats face have different coaches and players for indoor and outdoor volleyball. Also, they have players from California and other states where beach volleyball is a high school sport. Seventeen of the 19 players on ACU’s roster are from Texas. All but Brooke Riley, Amy Weiss and Paris Cosley play indoors as well.

While beach volleyball is still relatively new on the collegiate level, the Wildcats nevertheless begin with certain disadvantages. First, there are no current facilities, so ACU faces all opponents on the road. Because the Wildcats are competing as an independent, that precludes Southland Conference opponents during the first 10 of a 15-match slate — all of which are scheduled out of state. However, it does include teams ranked from last season such as No. 9 Arizona, which the Wildcats face in their opener Feb. 24. Grand Canyon was also ranked, while Arizona State and New Mexico received votes.

A little history on the sport, which first made it onto the NCAA drawing board less than 10 years ago. It wasn’t until January 2015 that beach volleyball reached 40 Division I teams and was added as the 90th NCAA Championship sport. In May 2016, Southern California won the first NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship.

By that time, it already was decided that ACU would add one of the fastest growing and least expensive collegiate sports to its athletics program. Interestingly, Mooney was hired after it had been decided beach volleyball would be added. Thus, she was aware that she would be coaching both before she was hired. The Texas Tech graduate said she had mixed emotions but quickly figured that it would be beneficial.

“I am excited to learn and be a part of history,” said Mooney, 36, who has no previous beach volleyball coaching experience. “For me to be able to expand my knowledge and learn is positive.”

She will be assisted by and lean heavily on assistant coach Seth Alstrom, who has coached on the collegiate level for the past three seasons.

Twelve players will comprise the Wildcats’ traveling squad to tournaments. Ten will see action in each match – five teams of two players. There will be a lot of mixing and matching, Mooney promised, as ACU seeks to put the best players and teams together.

Building a facility for outdoors volleyball is already on the university’s drawing board. Thus, it is possible the Wildcats will host events in 2019.

If there is one advantage ACU will eventually enjoy, it will come inside the Southland Conference. The Wildcats are one of five Southland teams that currently have beach volleyball. It is expected there will be eight teams in 2020, so that the Southland will be able to have a league tournament.

“This is one of the fastest growing sports in America,” Mooney said. “We’re seeing the sport added in the Houston, Dallas and Austin areas, so we’ll be able to get more with outdoor experience in coming years. This is just one more opportunity for women.”